For years, we have been proud representatives of NKT Photonics. Today, we want shine some light on NKT Photonics, a distinguished company celebrated for their mastery of lasers, supercontinuum generation, and fiber optics, catering to diverse scientific and industrial applications.
About NKT
Founded in Denmark, NKT Photonics has risen to become a market leader in the realm of high-performance fiber lasers and photonic crystal fibers.
NKT Photonics emerged within NKT, originally founded in 1891 as a cable-focused company. In 1980, NKT ventured into optical fibers, leading to key innovations like Koheras lasers (1997) and SuperK lasers (2003). Through mergers, NKT Photonics solidified its position in microstructured specialty fiber and low noise lasers. Global expansion followed, with presence in the US and China.
The company’s unwavering commitment to innovation and excellence has propelled it to the forefront of industries including Medical & Life Science, Industrial, Aerospace & Defense, and Quantum & Nano Technology.
With a diverse product portfolio that includes supercontinuum white light lasers, low-noise fiber lasers, ultrafast lasers, and specialty fibers, NKT Photonics is a driving force behind a wide range of applications.
NKT’s Expertise: Mastering supercontinuum & fiber laser technology
NKT Photonics are masters in advanced fiber lasers, supercontinuum sources, and photonic crystal fibers. Their fiber lasers are renowned for their exceptional performance and reliability, finding applications in materials processing, scientific research, and medical diagnostics. NKT’s photonic crystal fibers offer precise control over light properties, making them valuable in telecommunications, sensing, and laser delivery systems. These fibers boast unique features like high nonlinearity, low loss, and tailored dispersion characteristics.
One of NKT Photonics’ exceptional areas of expertise we want to highlight lies in the realm of supercontinuum lasers. These cutting-edge light sources emit an impressively broad spectrum of light, covering wavelengths from ultraviolet to near-infrared. This extraordinary capability, known as spectral broadening, enables supercontinuum lasers to serve as versatile tools with a multitude of applications.
Supercontinuum lasers have become indispensable instruments for researchers across various fields, transforming experiments and enabling groundbreaking discoveries.
- Biomedical Imaging: In medical imaging, supercontinuum lasers enable advanced techniques like multiphoton microscopy, offering enhanced imaging clarity and deeper tissue penetration.
- Spectroscopy: Researchers benefit from the versatile palette of wavelengths provided by supercontinuum lasers, enabling precise analysis of molecular structures.
- Materials Science: Supercontinuum lasers facilitate the exploration of light-material interactions, vital for studying nanomaterials and semiconductors.
- Optical Coherence Tomography (OCT): Supercontinuum lasers enhance non-invasive imaging techniques like OCT, providing superior resolution and depth penetration.
- Ultrafast Pump-Probe Experiments: With femtosecond pulse durations, supercontinuum lasers enable the observation and manipulation of ultrafast processes at the atomic scale.
In addition to supercontinuum lasers, NKT holds a diverse and strong portfolio of specialty fibers, ultrafast laser technology with femtosecond and picosecond pulse durations, and a strong presence in quantum and nanotechnology sectors.
Our Partnership with NKT Photonics
At Photon Mission, we are dedicated to offering our customers unique and market-leading products that set them apart from the competition. That’s why we are proud to partner with NKT Photonics, a company renowned for their high-quality and innovative solutions. With NKT Photonics’ cutting-edge technology and commitment to excellence, we are confident in our decision to represent them, as they align perfectly with our mission to provide exceptional products to our valued customers.
As a trusted local partner, we have the advantage of close proximity to NKT Photonics’ operations, allowing us direct access to their team of experts and keeping us up-to-date with their cutting-edge technologies. This enables us to provide comprehensive guidance and support, helping our customers make informed decisions about integrating NKT Photonics’ products into their projects.
Additionally, our local presence enables us to offer prompt assistance, addressing technical inquiries, providing troubleshooting support, and offering tailored recommendations based on our in-depth knowledge of NKT Photonics’ products. Through close collaboration with NKT Photonics, we understand the specific needs of our customers, allowing us to deliver customized solutions that align perfectly with their goals. Our understanding of the local market dynamics and industry trends allows us to offer valuable insights and advice, helping our customers make good choices that drive their success.
Products: SuperK FIANIUM and SuperK COMPACT
We want to highlight two supercontinuum products from NKT Photonics’ impressive product lineup. The flagship SuperK FIANIUM and SuperK COMPACT supercontinuum white light lasers.
SuperK FIANIUM
The SuperK FIANIUM series is a testament to NKT Photonics’ commitment to pushing light generation boundaries. With a spectral range from 390 nm to 2400 nm, it delivers high brightness, diffraction-limited light.
| Model | FIU-6 | FIU-15 | FIR-20 |
| Repetition rate [MHz] | 78 | 78 | 78 |
| Variable repetition rate [MHz] (optional) | 0.15 – 78 | 0.15 – 78 | 0.15 – 78 |
| Total power [W] | ≈ 2.2 | ≈ 5.5 | ≈ 6.5 |
| Visible power (350-850 nm) [W] | ≈ 0.6 | ≈ 1.5 | ≈ 2.0 |
| Power stability [%] 1 | ± 0.5 | ± 0.5 | ± 0.5 |
| Cut-in wavelength (>0.1mW/nm) [nm] | 400 | 415 | 480 |
| Polarization | Random | Random | Random |
| Beam quality | M2 < 1.1 | M2 < 1.1 2 | M2 < 1.1 |
| Beam diameter (collimated version) [mm] | ≈ 1 @ 532 nm | ||
| ≈ 2 @ 1100 nm | |||
| ≈ 3 @ 2000 nm |
SuperK COMPACT
The SuperK COMPACT is a cost-effective supercontinuum white light source, offering diffraction-limited light in the 450 nm to 2400 nm range. Over 100 times brighter than incandescent lamps, it is an invaluable tool for component characterization, test and measurement, spectroscopy, and laboratory use. Its stable, reliable, and maintenance-free design makes it an ideal choice for various applications.
| Repetition rate [MHz] | Variable 1 Hz up to minimum 20 kHz |
| Spectral coverage [nm] | 450-2400 |
| Total power [mW] | > 100 |
| Visible power (450-850 nm) [mW] | > 20 |
| Power stability [%] 1 | < ± 1.0 |
| Output pulse width [ns] | < 2 |
| Pulse-pulse jitter (standard dev.) [µs] | < 2 |
| Polarization | Unpolarized |
| Beam diameter (collimated version) [mm] | 1 @ 530 nm |
| 2 @ 1100 nm | |
| 3 @ 2000 nm |
Adding filter systems like the SPLIT, SELECT or VARIA turns the SuperK into an ultra-tunable laser, offering versatility for research and applications. The SuperK FIANIUM’s maintenance-free design and monolithic fiber architecture ensure reliability and longevity.
Beyond Supercontinuum Lasers
These two SuperK series are just a small selection of NKT’s product portfolio. Besides the other SuperK lasers like the SuperK EVO, CHROMATUNE and all its filter options, it’s worth mentioning some other if their products.
The Koheras single-frequency fiber lasers for example are renowned for their stable and noise-free performance, catering to various applications with options like erbium, ytterbium, or thulium wavelengths.
Additionally, NKT offers the ORIGAMI femtosecond lasers, aeroPULSE ultrafast fiber lasers, KATANA & PILAS pulsed diode lasers, as well as a range of high-quality optical fibers and modules, all designed to provide reliable solutions for a wide range of photonics needs.
Wrap-up: Leading the Way in Innovation
NKT Photonics has truly mastered the art of supercontinuum laser technology. Their expertise serves as a guiding force for innovators in various industries. Their dedication to cutting-edge solutions perfectly aligns with our goal of providing top-notch products to our customers. Working together, Photon Mission BV and NKT Photonics are illuminating a path towards a future marked by revolutionary discoveries, all powered by the incredible capabilities of supercontinuum lasers.
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